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Before the appearance of the Swedish national football team for more than 20 years, supporters came from Los Angeles. "Yes, I think Sweden can become world champion," said Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the quarter-final match of the Scandinavians at the World Cup. Contender England is still Saturday in Samara (16.00 CEST) as favorite in the game.
01.00, 07 July 2018
. England would be one of the top four teams in the World Cup since 1990 at the World Cup. In the host of the semifinals, Russia or Croatia would wait. On the island, the euphoria is palpable. London Mayor Sadiq Khan is already planning to see the public in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park for the semi-finals and final. Southgate did not want to slow the optimism. "We want to continue our history," he said, but at the same time demanded respect for the Swedes.
"They are a real team and have been underestimated in the past, we will not make this mistake". Defender John Stones said, "They're definitely a good team, otherwise they would not be where they are right now."
Swedes have been underestimated in the last twelve months. In qualifying, they first let the Netherlands behind them, then failed in Italy 's barrage against the Nords. At the World Cup, the team of coach Janne Andersson dominated in the group with Germany first. Swedes are traditionally a tough opponent for England. In 24 duels with Blagult (Blaugelbe), there were eight English victories and seven Swedish victories. More recently, Sweden won a friendly match in Stockholm in November 2012 after beating four goals from Ibrahimovic 4-2.
Southgate also said his opponents were older and more experienced than his team. England are the eleven inexperienced in the quarterfinals. The team is expected to have reached its peak only at the 2020 European Championships and the World Cup in 2022. However, Swedes can not have the fastest eleven, but they are also hard to beat. dig as only two goals – both in the 1-2 against Germany – show in the tournament.
Close the center and focus on efficiency is the Swedish motto. As noted captain Andreas Granqvist, opponents are usually better on paper. "But if you followed our matches, you can see that the opponents have more and more possession, but we have created more dangerous opportunities," said the 33-year-old, who will return to Helsingborg after the World Cup . In Wigan Athletic Granqvist had failed ten years ago in the Premier League.
The Swedish compactness is in the first quarter-final at a World Cup since 1994 in Samara stab. The right-back Mikael Lustig is suspended after his second yellow card. Questionable was midfielder Albin Ekdal's squad because of foot problems. His team-mate Sebastian Larsson, suspended in the round of 16 against Switzerland, will be back. The 33-year-old, who played for 17 years in England, led the mental advantage as a plus for his team. "We do not lose the grip and know what qualities we have." England has a lot of great players. "But at the same time, England has its demons to fight and the pressure is on them, it would be a huge fiasco if they withdraw against Sweden," Larsson said.
In England, the loss of Jamie Vardy threatens. The striker, Harry Kane 's first replacement, could finish the warm – up training program only on Friday for groin problems. Ashley Young and Kyle Walker, who were eliminated in penalty shoot-outs by Colombia on penalties, are again in shape, according to Southgate. The team leader from England, but wanted to wait for the last one who was ready to one hundred percent. "If we have 75% players, others will come," he said.
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